Clifton

ALP179 and NLP201
The site abuts Clifton village and there is already development parallel to the site on the other side of the road such that there is no danger of coalescence.

The opportunity to enhance cycle routes and other community benefits from this former gravel pit site are significant.

The site offers a sustainable location for development and would round off the settlement, without detriment to the feeling of openness.

The land was previously dug for sand and gravel and is at a lower level than the surround as confirmed by LIDAR data. Any development would have less impact in consequence, as housing would be lower than the surround.

NLP211
The site offers an opportunity for a bespoke Park Home Site to meet the growing need for low cost housing in and across the area.

Whilst the site is slightly out of the village centre this avoids the usual traffic and parking issues associated with in settlement development.

As such the site offers a stand-alone development site specifically for Park Home development similar to the site nearly opposite.

At Park Home densities the site could offer development of around 60+ units, envisaging these to be small units as per the layout plan attached.

NLP211
This site was specifically proposed for Park Home style development for low cost housing and offers a unique and sustainable location for this.

The NPPF is clear that Local Plans should ensure there is a wide range of sites allocated for housing development to ensure delivery of required housing in both urban and rural areas.
Settlement envelopes should not restrict otherwise sustainable development. The Local Plan should promote sustainable development in and adjacent to sustainable settlements to maintain and enhance their viability and vitality and to delivery the housing required in the District. SP6 recognises development (restricted to community facilities) will be required adjacent to settlements but should include housing development also. See attached document promoting residential allocation of land off BroadStreet Clifton.

The NPPF is clear that Local Plans should ensure there is a wide range of sites allocated for housing development to ensure delivery of required housing, in both urban and rural areas. The Local Plan should promote sustainable development in and adjacent to existing sustainable settlements to maintain and enhance their vitality and viability and to deliver the housing required in the District. Clifton is a sustainable settlement and should look to deliver additional housing to meet the District's needs. See attached document promoting residential allocation of land off Broad Street Clifton.

NLP211
This site was specifically proposed for Park Home style development for low cost housing and offers a unique and sustainable location for this.

ALP179 and NLP201
The site abuts Clifton village and there is already development parallel to the site on the other side of the road such that there is no danger of coalescence.

The opportunity to enhance cycle routes and other community benefits from this former gravel pit site are significant.

The site offers a sustainable location for development and would round off the settlement, without detriment to the feeling of openness.

The land was previously dug for sand and gravel and is at a lower level than the surround as confirmed by LIDAR data. Any development would have less impact in consequence, as housing would be lower than the surround.

I can't comment on all of the area that comes under the control of CBC as I am not familiar with issues in other regions so have commented on the Shefford,Clifton areas.
I have moved back to Clifton approximately a year ago and amazed at the levels of mass building that has gone on since moving away 16years ago.
Henlow ,Clifton and Shefford are now almost joined and have become one long sprawl with the character taken out of them.
There appears to have been no improvements in the road system to take the traffic generated or to improve safety.For example the junction of New road Clifton onto the A507 an extremely dangerous point added to this Its junction at the point where it joins the village centre is also hazardous.
Houses in this area are being advertised in London as a place to commute to town to work.Do we want our villages to become commuter towns I don't think so.
The houses that are being built in the main are not affordable by local people ,the prices are being influenced by the commutor effect.
Some 80% of the applications that have been refused have been won on appeal.
I sincerely hope that with a Local Plan CBC will vigorously oppose any inappropriate applications particularly those made by greedy speculative developers who have no real interest the area or the opinions of the local community.
With regards to the publicity given to the Draft Local Plan whilst the web site and supporting literature is excellent this has been woeful.Out of 16 people I asked only two had heard of the plan.Why the plan could not have been advertised on regional tv , in the local press and by posters in town and village centres seems a golden opportunity lost.Indeed practically all round abouts have boards advertising double glazing companies,estate agents and houses that are unaffordable by most locals.
To summarise:
No more mass building in villages.This area has provided more than its fair share of land for housing,enough is enough.
Build the planned new villages
Build the small proposed new town
Build more houses for first time buyers
Build more properties suitable for older people .Thus freeing up larger family type houses that are no longer suitable for the older generation.
Improve A507 and its junction with New road in Clifton.
Oppose more vigorously speculative inappropriate developments
Take on board local opinion ie Parish councils,residents the current consensus is that we are ignored.

Best regards Clive Furr

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